When it comes to unexpected friendships, especially between different animal species, Mother Nature never ceases to astonish. A lion falling in love with a tigress, on the other hand, is the last thing on anyone’s mind, yet that’s precisely what this love tale is about!
This strange couple’s life wasn’t always easy. Cameron, the lion, and Zabu, the white tigress, were bred and given birth to ligers in captivity in a zoo in New England (a combination of white lions and tigers).
Fortunately, they were recovered in 2004. Things appeared to be going badly for them at the moment. Cameron was underweight for his age, weighing roughly 200 pounds underweight, and Zabu had a genetic defect. Thanks to the Big Cat Rescue, they are now secure and enjoying their lives. “We built a big natural cage for the two of them to share after Zabu and Cameron were rescued since they are genuinely attached as a couple,” the rescue group posted on social media.
Cameron had to be neutered or eternally separated from his love due to a medical condition. “Because of Cameron’s conduct, we only had two options: keep him separated from Zabu for the rest of his life or neuter him,” the rescue added. “It was a simple decision.”
The gorgeous lion lost his mane not long after, but he did get the chance to leave blissfully next to his sweetheart. “Without the extra 15 pounds of fur around his neck, Cameron’s demeanor has mellowed tremendously, and he appears much more at ease in the sweltering Florida summers.” He’s also gotten a lot more playful now that he’s not worried about what’s going on in his enclosure,” the rescue group claimed.
In the video below, learn more about Cameron and Zabu’s tale!
h/t: thedodo | boredpanda